Resurrection The Nike Way
Nike advertisement |
This isn’t about Tiger Woods, or adultery, or even a sports
icon turning his game around. This is about an influential corporation choosing
to market the idea that as long as you win, it doesn’t matter what kind of
moral character you had or may have.
While Tiger may have made amends to his ex-wife, and that
may include his asking forgiveness for his numerous adulterous transgressions,
what Nike is promoting along with Tiger’s approval, mocks the idea that
adultery hurts people—no worries winning takes care of everything.
Winning is the currency that runs Nike’s economy, but not God’s. While forgiveness awaits anyone who asks, there is much more to living for God than winning. Indeed, Jesus said, “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Mark 10:31
Winning feels good. Often the goal-setting and effort
required to win builds character. But be careful of the kind of character
that’s being built. Winning can fuel pride. It’s a dangerous place to be.
While Nike might be looking for sports
heroes to sell its products and is resurrecting a tarnished athlete, the only
Resurrection that really matters is the one that Jesus accomplished because of
the Cross.
Millions of dollars are spent trying to win many of life's games.
But Jesus already won it all. His Resurrection gives us our chance to live salvation lives that don't
cost us anything because Jesus paid the price. Now that's
when winning really does take care of everything.